A Facile Synthesis Strategy of Supported g-C3N4 and Molybdenum Disulfide over Co3O4 Spinal Composite Nanostructure: An Excellent Catalyst for HER

Abstract

To ensure the sustainability of energy, dihydrogen (H₂) constitutes the best alternative to fossil fuels for a fully renewable and clean energy carrier with the highest energy density. The effective and abundant electrocatalysis of water is crucial for achieving large-scale practical hydrogen evolution. This study introduces a simple and efficient method for synthesizing a Co₃O₄/MoS₂@g-C₃N₄ (CMCN) heterostructure catalyst. The CMCN composite material has effective hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetic activity across several experimental configurations, indicating its desirability. The CMCN composite demonstrates exceptional performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄, with a minimal overpotential of 122 mV at a current density of −10 mA cm^-2 and a narrow Tafel slope of 49 mVdec^-1, surpassing pristine Co₃O₄, MoS₂, g-C₃N₄, and Co₃O₄/MoS₂ (CM) composite. The heterostructure design promotes efficient charge transfer and optimizes the hydrogen adsorption/desorption processes. Interestingly, composite catalysts’ high current density and high mass activity ensure exceptional catalyst performance, along with low overpotential, minimal charge transfer, and a low Tafel value. This adaptable technique also makes it possible to design and create previously unheard-of inexpensive mixed metal electrocatalysts.